Section 29.4 Marvin v. Marvin

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

B. (§29.4) Marvin v. Marvin

In Marvin v. Marvin, 557 P.2d 106 (Cal. banc 1976), the plaintiff, Michelle Triola Marvin, alleged that in 1964 she and the defendant, Lee Marvin, entered into an oral agreement. The parties agreed to:

combine their efforts and earnings;

share equally any and all property accumulated as a result of their individual or combined efforts; and

hold themselves out to the general public as husband and wife.

They further agreed that:

the plaintiff would render to the defendant her services as a homemaker, housekeeper, and cook;

the plaintiff would give up her career as an entertainer and singer to devote herself full time to these services; and

in return for these services, the defendant would provide for the...